FFC Facts and Figures

Tuesday 2 July 2013 09:01

We have trawled through the Fulham archives to find you some of the best facts and figures from the Club’s history for our weekly feature. If you have any of your own, tweet them to us using the hashtag #ffcfacts

Five Fulham facts

Willie Walker was the first Fulham player to be given a red card when he was sent off in the 3-2 win over Bradford City on 15th February 1913. He apparently retaliated to a succession of fouls on him and incurred the referee’s wrath instead.

Mr Dudley Evans, a Director of the Club for some 28 years, wrote a football song in October 1932 which was played by the Fulham ‘Boro Silver Prize Band when Bradford visited the Cottage. It was called ‘I Do Like To See A Game Of Football’.

Liverpool-born winger Alan Mansley was the first loan player signed by Fulham under the new regulations. He played against Swansea City on 22nd December 1970 in a 4-1 defeat but did not feature for us again before returning to Brentford.

Reg Matthewson netted his only goal for the Club in his 172 appearances against Torquay United in a 4-0 win on 26th February 1971.

In 2006/07 we finished 16th in the Premier League table having scored 38 goals in our 38 games. Brian McBride came closest to touching double figures as he finished the season with nine.

Magic Numbers

11 – The number of goals scored in the FA Cup by former Chairman Jimmy Hill during his time as a player.

26 – The number of players used in the 1957/58 season because of injuries. The team did well to finish fifth in Division Two, but nothing was won.

71 – The cost, in today’s pence (14 shillings and threepence back then) in 1922 for fans to travel via Midlands Railway for the away trip to Leicester City in the Second Round of the FA Cup.

74 – The age which saw the untimely death of former Chairman John Dean in March 1944. He was described by a fellow Director as “the original father of the Club.”

201 – The total appearances made by Fulham defender Rufus Brevett during his career in SW6.

Quote, Unquote

“Thanks fellows, for giving me all the chances.”

Ronnie Rooke’s first words back in the changing room after he bagged a hat-trick in each half in the 6-0 win over Bury on 7th January 1939.

“I never did get to keep that overcoat for scoring a hat-trick against Bristol Rovers. I dashed across to the Cottage after I scored my third and Tommy flung it down but the FA stepped in and banned it as it was an illegal payment.”

Arthur Stevens fails to get his just rewards when the players were promised a new overcoat by Chairman Tommy Trinder if they scored a hat-trick in the 1948 FA Cup Fourth Round.

“I was very nervous, more than I have ever been before or since... The ground was terribly heavy but Fulham continued to play very well and outclass Southampton, but failed miserably to score.”

Johnny Haynes on his debut for the Club as an 18-year-old in the 1-1 draw with Southampton on 26th December 1952.

Cover Stars

On the left is the programme from the 1913 Division Two clash with Woolwich Arsenal; we won 6-1 thanks to goals from Tim Coleman (2), Bert Pearce (2), Willie Walker and Will Taylor. On the right is the programme against Arsenal at the Cottage on 11th September 2004. Unfortunately we lost 3-0 that day.